Zimbabwe names strong squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Nigeria

By Agencies

Zimbabwe has announced a strong 23-man squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria.

The squad includes players from top clubs like Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brentford, Cardiff City, Luton Town, Huddersfield Town, and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Warriors will face Nigeria in Uyo on March 25, following a crucial match against Benin on March 20 in Durban.

The return of veteran striker Knowledge Musona is a big boost for the team as they aim to earn important points in their World Cup qualification campaign.

Head coach Michael Nees has selected a well-balanced squad, featuring both experienced internationals and young players.

Among the notable names are Brentford’s Marley Tavaziva, Wolves’ Marshall Munetsi, Cardiff City’s Andy Rinomhota, Luton Town’s Marvelous Nakamba, Huddersfield Town’s Tawanda Chirewa, and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Divine Lunga.

These players bring valuable experience, which will be important in the tough qualifiers.

Musona, who had announced his retirement in 2022, has made a dramatic return to the squad and is expected to play a leadership role alongside Nakamba, despite Nakamba being ruled out due to injury. Musona, who has scored 24 goals in 51 appearances for Zimbabwe, is seen as a key asset in attack for the Warriors.

The team also has strong defensive options, with players like Divine Lunga and Andy Rinomhota offering stability. Lunga has experience in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL), while Rinomhota plays in the English Championship. Their defensive skills will be crucial in stopping Nigeria’s powerful attack.

The goalkeepers are also well-prepared, with Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), and Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC) all named in the squad. Arubi brings a lot of experience, while Tavaziva and Mapisa are promising young talents who will provide strong backup.

In attack, forwards Prince Dube (Young Africans), Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport United), and Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell) will be key to scoring goals against Nigeria. Their performances will be vital in breaking down the Nigerian defence and securing valuable points.

Fans are excited to see Musona back on the field, leading the Warriors in what will be a tough battle in Group D. The combination of experienced internationals and rising talents gives Zimbabwe a strong chance in the qualifiers.

The Warriors’ journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with these important matches, and all eyes will be on the squad as they face Benin and Nigeria.

Zimbabwe’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers:

Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC)

Defenders: Jordan Zemura (Udinese), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Peter Muduhwa (Scotland), Godknows Murwira (Scotland), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)

Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Wolves), Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City), Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Knowledge Musona (Al-Okhdood), Mthokozisi Msebe (Scotland), Khama Billiat (Scotland), Tawanda Chirewa (Huddersfield Town)

Forwards: Prince Dube (Young Africans), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport United), Tymon Machope (Scotland), Walter Musona (Scotland)